Why Do We Need Oxygen?
We need oxygen to survive because it's essential for cellular respiration, the process that converts food into energy. Without oxygen, our cells can't produce the energy needed for all bodily functions, from growth and reproduction to basic survival.
Oxygen is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, a crucial step in cellular respiration. This process breaks down food molecules (like glucose) to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of cells. As stated in multiple sources, including the American Museum of Natural History (https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/ology-cards/213-respiration-and-breathing), "Most living things need oxygen to survive. Oxygen helps organisms grow, reproduce, and turn food into energy." This energy powers everything our bodies do.
- Growth and Development: Oxygen fuels the processes that allow us to grow and develop.
- Reproduction: Oxygen is crucial for the energy demands of reproduction.
- Maintaining Body Functions: From heartbeat to brain function, every process requires the energy produced through oxygen-dependent cellular respiration.
Oxygen Transport in the Body
The oxygen we breathe enters our lungs and is then transported throughout the body by red blood cells. These cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen and carries it to cells needing energy. The NHS Blood Donation website highlights this ([Link unavailable]), stating that oxygen is transported to tissues by red blood cells. If this transportation fails, tissues and organs will not function properly.
Exceptions to the Rule
While most living things require oxygen, there are exceptions. Some bacteria and a few tiny animals can survive and thrive without it, as noted by the biologist in The Conversation article (http://theconversation.com/why-do-people-and-animals-need-to-breathe-a-biologist-explains-why-you-need-a-constant-source-of-oxygen-219169). However, for humans and the vast majority of life on Earth, oxygen is indispensable.
Supplemental Oxygen
In cases of illness or injury, supplemental oxygen might be necessary to ensure the body receives enough oxygen for proper function. The FDA (https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/pulse-oximeters-and-oxygen-concentrators-what-know-about-home-oxygen-therapy) explains that sometimes the amount of oxygen in our blood falls below normal levels, necessitating supplemental oxygen. This is often the case with respiratory illnesses like pneumonia or COVID-19, as pointed out by the American Lung Association (https://www.lung.org/blog/supplemental-oxygen-faqs).
